No. 5: "Skull Alcoholic - The Complete Solar Anus" - Solar Anus
Solar Anus are a superbly versatile band that were overshadowed by the better-known J-rock bands such as Boris and Melt Banana, as well as the Visual Kei movement that dominated the 1990's. Playing music very similar to the El Sexorcisto era White Zombie, Skull Alcoholic showcases the Anus' work in it's heavy stoner glory. A heavy, sludgy-ass album which is a must-have for fans of the stoner genre.
No. 4: "Urusa in Japan" - Afrirampo
Over the past few years, Afrirampo have gained a lot more recognition from their various stints with Japanese rock legends such as Acid Mothers Temple and the one and only Yoko Ono. In an album that can only be described as 'chaotic', Afrirampo tear music a new asshole, throwing forth music that takes it's inspirations from the free noise movement the Boredoms were so fond of. Highly energetic and not for the faint hearted.
No.3: "Have you seen the other side of the sky?" & "Mantra of Love" - Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso UFO
While the name is a mouthful, the Acid Mothers Temple are one of if perhaps not the most prolific bands in the world today. Although they have only been active since the early 2000's, they have released dozens of albums. To pick these two albums in particular seems a tad unfair, but these are the two which had the profoundest effect on me. The track "La Le Lo" on Mantra of Love can only be described as 'epic', one of the most impressive improvisational jams I have heard in my time. These are perhaps the most accessible of the AMT's albums, and a good starting block for new listeners.
No. 2: "Rakushu" - Kagerou
Kagerou were originally a Visual Kei band, and still incorporated various bits of the VK scene into their do. Rakushu is itself a heavy-ass album which has a more conventional sound than the other albums featured in this list. Should please fans of heavy nu-metal.
No. 1: "Akuma No Uta" - Boris
Oh, God... Where to start? Boris are by far one of the most versatile mainstream bands out there and have enjoyed a prolific stint so far, recording with such legends as Michio Kurihara of Ghost and Damon & Naomi of Galaxie 500 fame. Akuma No Uta should also go on record as having one of the coolest guitars I have ever seen (pictured above). When you start the album, your ears surrender themselves to one of the best contemporary albums I've ever had the fortune of hearing. Listen to it before you die or I may just have to kill you.
Stay tuned, kids, because coming soon is an introduction to the zany world of enemas!
Till next time,
Japanophile James.
Solar Anus are a superbly versatile band that were overshadowed by the better-known J-rock bands such as Boris and Melt Banana, as well as the Visual Kei movement that dominated the 1990's. Playing music very similar to the El Sexorcisto era White Zombie, Skull Alcoholic showcases the Anus' work in it's heavy stoner glory. A heavy, sludgy-ass album which is a must-have for fans of the stoner genre.No. 4: "Urusa in Japan" - Afrirampo
Over the past few years, Afrirampo have gained a lot more recognition from their various stints with Japanese rock legends such as Acid Mothers Temple and the one and only Yoko Ono. In an album that can only be described as 'chaotic', Afrirampo tear music a new asshole, throwing forth music that takes it's inspirations from the free noise movement the Boredoms were so fond of. Highly energetic and not for the faint hearted.No.3: "Have you seen the other side of the sky?" & "Mantra of Love" - Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso UFO
While the name is a mouthful, the Acid Mothers Temple are one of if perhaps not the most prolific bands in the world today. Although they have only been active since the early 2000's, they have released dozens of albums. To pick these two albums in particular seems a tad unfair, but these are the two which had the profoundest effect on me. The track "La Le Lo" on Mantra of Love can only be described as 'epic', one of the most impressive improvisational jams I have heard in my time. These are perhaps the most accessible of the AMT's albums, and a good starting block for new listeners.
No. 2: "Rakushu" - Kagerou
Kagerou were originally a Visual Kei band, and still incorporated various bits of the VK scene into their do. Rakushu is itself a heavy-ass album which has a more conventional sound than the other albums featured in this list. Should please fans of heavy nu-metal.
No. 1: "Akuma No Uta" - Boris
Oh, God... Where to start? Boris are by far one of the most versatile mainstream bands out there and have enjoyed a prolific stint so far, recording with such legends as Michio Kurihara of Ghost and Damon & Naomi of Galaxie 500 fame. Akuma No Uta should also go on record as having one of the coolest guitars I have ever seen (pictured above). When you start the album, your ears surrender themselves to one of the best contemporary albums I've ever had the fortune of hearing. Listen to it before you die or I may just have to kill you.
Stay tuned, kids, because coming soon is an introduction to the zany world of enemas!
Till next time,
Japanophile James.
